LURCHER SHOWING

The main event at any Lurcher show today is the showing. This is the main source of revenue for most Lurcher clubs. Showing is probably one of the most controversial issues in the Lurcher world. In effect the showing of Lurcher's is a beauty competition run along the same lines as any other dog show. However, the judge has to take into consideration a Lurcher's potential ability. At the end of the day there is no breed standard for the Lurcher and if left to the NL&RC there never will be one. It is left to the judge on the day to reach his or her decision as to which dog before him or her shall be the winner. The most we hope to achieve is a standard of judging that is consistent, with judges affording each entry with the same amount of time and examination. As well as Lurcher classes, at many of our shows we have both Terrier and Ferret showing and racing classes, ask on the day for availability.

The Lurcher showing classes are segregated into sex, size, and coat texture, each of the class winners competing for the overall championship. All champions from NL&RC shows are entered into the NL&RC Champion of Champions Show held at the Chatsworth Country Fair in September of each year, one of the most sought after titles in the Lurcher showing Calendar.

STRAIGHT RACING

Straight Racing is exactly what it sounds like, a number of Lurcher's running together after a mechanical lure in a straight line. The dogs each wear different coloured collars, and are usually segregated into different sizes and coat textures for example under 21 inch rough coat, under 21 inch smooth coated. The racing can take place over any distance, however, a one hundred metre sprint is usually the shortest distance covered especially if there are large dogs involved. In a clean race the first dog over the winning line is judged to be the winner. It is always important to leave a good distance after the finishing line in order for the dogs to avoid impact injury.

Lurcher's can run in excess of 20 miles per hour and some weigh in excess of 90lbs so safety is a paramount consideration in any running event. Where possible netting is used along either side of the track, if this is not possible the track is roped off.

Straight racing is an event, which can be entered by both pet and working Lurcher's, it's fun to enter and entertaining to watch.

HURDLE RACING

Hurdle Racing involves two Lurchers competing against each other, running after a mechanical lure in straight line with jumps. The dogs each wear either a red or a white collar. Hurdling can take place over any distance, however, a one hundred metre sprint is usually the average distance used. In a clean race the first dog over the winning line is judged to be the winner. Every Lurcher entered is expected to attempt to jump every hurdle however, a dog is penalised for not clearing a jump. The jumps are designed from soft pliable material so as not to cause injury. Once again it is always important to leave a good distance after the finishing line for the dogs to avoid injury. Netting is used up either side of the track to encourage the dogs to jump the hurdles.

Hurdles racing can be great fun to watch, you often see some real characters, some go under every jump, some run through every jump. It really is a great event both to enter and watch.

LONG JUMP

Long jump is a solo event, the Lurcher runs after a mechanical lure in straight line, with the obstacle of a long jump on the course! No collar is worn as the dogs are running alone. Long jump can take place over any distance, however, a fifty metre length is usually the average distance used, this allows for a run up, the jump and a run out. The lure is dragged under the jump, which consists of suspended poles. The dog has to clear the jump without knocking a pole from its rest. The jump is extended at the discretion of the judge. The jump usually starts around 12 feet and can extend to over 20 feet. The winning dog is the one, which jumps the greatest distance cleanly. Netting is used up either side of the track to encourage the dogs to jump the Long jump.

The long jump can be great fun to watch, and again some real characters enter to give the crowd a good laugh, this event really is a fab event for pet and working Lurchers.

OBEDIENCE

Obedience is an event which, involves great skill and good partnership between the Lurcher and its owner. Of course, all can enter the event as the NL & RC have devised two classes to allow for a mixed abilities from total beginners to advanced entrants. The obedience involves a Lurcher and its owner participating in a number of set tests devised by the coordinator at both the novice and advanced level.

The novice competition is designed to encourage beginners to participate and develop the skills needed to work their dog in the field.

The advanced competition is designed to find the ultimate working partnership between Lurcher and handler. Again, qualifying competitions are held throughout the country during the summer months, culminating in the final event at Chatsworth Country Fair in September. The top four places from the advanced competition qualify for the field trials. The field trails test the partnership between the dog and handler to ultimate limits. The event takes place over a weekend where the dogs are worked on the different aspects of Lurcher work, which includes: lamping, ferreting, bushing and hunting up.

The Obedience event is one of the most testing competitions for both dog and handler. Many beginners are easily put off just through the word 'obedience'. It's important to understand that the novice event is ideal for the nervous, and absolute beginners, its well worth entering just for fun as you never know, you just might enjoy it!

SIMULATED COURSING

2002 saw the first year of the NL&RC simulated coursing championship. Sponsored by premier caravans of County Durham, qualifying competitions have been held throughout the country and was culminated in the champion of champion's competition held at Holkham Country Fair Norfolk on 21st September 2002. The NL&RC simulated coursing championship aims to be an annual event however, the venue may change.

Event and Showing Rules

While every effort is made to guard against accident or injury to persons, animal or property all persons present at an NL&RC event compete, help and watch at their own risk.
  1. The NL&RC reserve the right to refuse anyone entry into their event without exception.
  2. All events will be run in accordance with the schedule available on the day.
  3. The NL&RC reserve the right to increase, amalgamate, or cancel classes without explanation. Other events will be run at the discretion of our on site representative, subject to room,equipment, staff, ground and weather conditions.
  4. All show classes will be run according to the schedule. Any dispute regarding size or coat texture will be ruled by the Senior Steward or the NL&RC on site representative. The measure used will be at the discretion of the NL&RC.
  5. All other Lurcher events will be governed by these plus their own event rules.
  6. All official enquiries must be accompanied by a £10 deposit, refundable if the complaint is upheld. To effect an enquiry the complainant must notify the event steward immediately.
  7. Anyone acting in a disorderly manner will be immediately disqualified from all the days events and asked to leave the Lurcher area. No refund will be give for either entrance into the show or into the Lurcher events.
  8. The decision of our onsite representative is final.

Simulated Coursing Rules

Every effort has been made to guard against any sort of accident or injury that might occur to any dog or person entering or watching this competition, but as this competition is a simulated course and is supposed to be as near to coursing a live hare as possible, all owners run their dogs, and all spectators watch at their own risk.
  1. All entrants must be present at the start line from the onset of the Competition.
  2. All entrants will be called once, with one follow up call only. Anyone missingtheir call or failing to respond will be disqualified. The responding competitor will run a bye-run.
  3. All dogs will wear muzzles and the appropriate Red or White collar whilst competing
  4. Any dog that shows aggression towards its competitor in the slips or when slipped, or bumps, leans on or barges, will be immediately disqualified by the displaying of a yellow flag against the offending dogs colour.
  5. All dogs should complete the course. Points will be awarded at each turn to the dog who, in the judges opinion has run the truest course, by the raising of the appropriate coloured flag.
  6. Failure to complete the course by both dogs will result in a re-run if no decision has been made. Only one re-run will be allowed. Timing of the re-run will be at the slippers discretion.
  7. Any dispute raised in a disorderly manner at the event will result in a disqualification. Any competitor may approach the steward of the eventto raise a full enquiry. A full enquiry requires a deposit of £10, refundable if the complaint is upheld.

Straight Racing Rules

Every effort has been made to guard against any sort of accident or injury that might occur to any dog or person entering or watching this competition, but all owners run their dogs and all spectators watch at their own risk.
  1. All entrants must be present at the start line from the onset of the competition.
  2. All entrants will be called once, with one follow up call only. Anyone missing their call or failing to respond will be disqualified.
  3. All dogs will wear muzzles and the appropriate colour collar whilst competing.
  4. Any dog that shows aggression towards its competitors or bumps, leans on or barges will be immediately disqualified.
  5. No spectators or handlers are allowed past the designated mark on the racetrack. All dogs must be re-called to the handlers from the bottom of the track.
  6. The judges decision is final.
  7. Any dispute raised in a disorderly manner at the event will result in a disqualification. Any competitor may approach the steward of the event to raise a full enquiry. A full enquiry requires a deposit of £10, refundable if the complaint is upheld.

Hurdle Racing Rules

Every effort has been made to guard against any sort of accident or injury that might occur to any dog or person entering or watching this competition, but all owners run their dogs and all spectators watch at their own risk.
  1. All entrants must be present at the start line from the onset of the competition.
  2. All entrants will be called once, with one follow up call only. Anyone missing their call or failing to respond will be disqualified.
  3. All dogs will wear muzzles and the appropriate colour collar whilst competing.
  4. Any dog that shows aggression towards its competitors or bumps, leans on or barges will be disqualified. All dogs must attempt to jump over the hurdles.
  5. No spectators or handlers are allowed past the designated mark on the racetrack. All dogs must be re-called to the handlers from the bottom of the track.
  6. The judges decision is final.
  7. Any dispute raised in a disorderly manner at the event will result in a disqualification. Any competitor may approach the steward of the event to raise a full enquiry. A full enquiry requires a deposit of £10, refundable if the complaint is upheld.

Long Jump Rules

Every effort has been made to guard against any sort of accident or injury that might occur to any dog or person entering or watching this competition, but all owners run their dogs and all spectators watch at their own risk.
  1. All entrants must be present at the start line from the onset of the competition.
  2. All entrants will be called once, with one follow up call only. Anyone missing their call or failing to respond will be disqualified.
  3. All dogs will wear muzzles whilst competing.
  4. All dogs must clear the qualifying distance. All dogs will be allowed two attempts at the qualifying distance. The distance will be lengthened at the discretion of the event steward, and all dogs must jump at each distance.
  5. In order to continue in the competition dogs must clear all the poles at each stage.The dog will be deemed as out if it has downed a pole(s). If in the judges opinion the pole(s) have been downed by a malfunction of the equipment the dog will remain in the competition at the judges discretion
  6. The judges decision is final.
  7. Any dispute raised in a disorderly manner at the event will result in a disqualification. Any competitor may approach the steward of the event to raise a full enquiry. A full enquiry requires a deposit of £10, refundable if the complaint is upheld.

 
 
 
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